Sometimes it seems the only thing growing as fast as the increasingly acceptable use of medical cannabis in the US is the proliferation of books about medical cannabis. David S. Younger of the New York University School of Medicine has added to the collection with an overview of medical cannabis as seen from a research physician’s view.

Like several other books on the market, “The Science of Medical Cannabis” offers information on the multi-millennial history of cannabis use, plant physiology, cultivation and processing for medical applications, an overview of the human endocannabinoid system, a survey cannabinoid compounds and terpenes in cannabis plants, and a doctor’s perspective on both cannabis legalization and related public health policies.

The most detailed and useful portion of the book is the chapter titled “Indications for Medical Cannabis.” Younger lists several ailments that respond well to medical cannabis treatment. Few people will be surprised at the list, but Younger provides overviews of published research for each ailment, including thumbnail sketches of the methods, scope, and quality of the studies. While some patients will find the chapter enlightening, I suspect it would be more helpful as a study guide for people preparing to have a conversation with a medical practitioner.

The chapter on prescribing algorithms is certainly helpful, but lacks the detail and clear, jargon-free consumption advice available in other books like “Medical Cannabis: A Guide for Patients, Practitioners, and Caregivers” by Michael Moskowitz (accessible here.)

If you happen to be a patient or caregiver looking the one must-have book about medical cannabis, this probably isn’t it. If you have a little extra space on your bookshelf, Younger’s “The Science of Medical Cannabis” is a fine addition for anyone interested in medical cannabis from a research physician’s view.

The book will be available on Amazon next January. In the meantime, a PDF is available online through Google Scholar here.